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| - Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that skipping baths during winter can increase lifespan by 34%. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
A viral Instagram reel says that bathing everyday can remove the skin’s natural oils, causing dryness and inflammation. It also mentions that in cold weather, the body’s immune system works harder to stay warm. Based on this, the post claims that not bathing in winter could increase lifespan by 34%. It starts by telling people to stop bathing during the winter months.
Fact Check
Does infrequent bathing really improve skin microbiome diversity?
Not really. While it’s true that the skin’s microbiome—the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms—plays a role in skin health, the idea that infrequent bathing directly supports this biodiversity is a bit misleading. Research does suggest that over-washing the skin can disrupt the microbiome, but this doesn’t mean that skipping baths entirely is beneficial. In fact, it’s about finding balance. Bathing regularly, but with mild soap and lukewarm water, helps to maintain the skin’s natural oils without stripping them away.
Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, explains, “Regular bathing is good for your skin as it helps remove dirt and oils. However, it’s important to use lukewarm water and gentle, moisturising soaps to avoid drying out your skin. After bathing, apply a moisturiser while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration. Bathing properly, along with using the right products, helps maintain a healthy skin microbiome and prevents dryness and irritation.”
Can skipping baths in winter prevent skin dryness and inflammation?
Not exactly. Dry skin during winter is a common issue caused by cold weather and low humidity, which can lead to the loss of moisture in the skin. While skipping baths might seem like a way to prevent dryness, it’s actually more important to focus on proper skin hydration and moisture retention. Bathing with harsh soaps or hot water can indeed strip the skin of its oils, but using gentle cleansers and applying moisturisers after bathing can help maintain skin health. In fact, regular bathing with the right products is a good way to keep skin clean and hydrated.
Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, says, “No, skipping baths in winter is not an effective way to prevent skin dryness and inflammation. In fact, regular bathing, when done properly, helps maintain skin hydration by removing dirt and pollutants. However, during winter, the cold air and indoor heating can dry out the skin, so it’s important to use lukewarm water and mild, moisturising soaps. After bathing, applying a good moisturiser is key to locking in hydration and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. While over-bathing or using harsh products can exacerbate dryness, skipping baths altogether can lead to other skin issues like bacterial build-up. Maintaining a balance is crucial for healthy skin.”
On a related note, we have debunked claims which suggest that drinking hot water in winter is harmful for health.
Does the immune system work harder in winter, and can skipping baths support it?
Maybe, but not in the way the claim suggests. The immune system does adapt to environmental changes, including cold weather, but this has nothing to do with whether you bathe or not. The body’s immune response depends on factors like nutrition, sleep, and overall health. While it’s true that cold weather can cause the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, skipping baths doesn’t offer any direct benefit to immune function. In fact, good hygiene practices, including regular bathing, are essential for overall health, especially during the winter when people tend to spend more time indoors.
Can skipping baths increase lifespan by 34%?
Not at all. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that skipping baths can increase lifespan by any percentage, let alone 34%. Lifespan depends on many factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, diet, and overall healthcare. While bathing habits are important for hygiene and skin health, they do not directly affect longevity. The study in Nature Communications likely discusses how certain lifestyle choices can impact the skin’s microbiome, but this doesn’t translate into benefits for lifespan. Although we couldn’t find the specific study mentioned, it’s clear that bathing is just one factor, and many other elements play a much bigger role in determining lifespan.
We spoke with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, to learn whether skipping baths can increase lifespan significantly. She says, “No, skipping baths will not increase your lifespan by 34%. There are many factors which influence our lifespan like genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. However, bathing habits are not directly linked to how long you live. Bathing regularly helps maintain hygiene and skin health, but it doesn’t have a significant impact on lifespan.”
Additionally, some people claim that improper bathing can cause paralysis, brain haemorrhages, and increases the risk of strokes. But, these claims are not scientifically accurate.
THIP Media Take
The claim that skipping baths during winter can increase lifespan by 34% is mostly false. While there are benefits to not over-washing the skin, skipping baths entirely is not a recommended approach. Maintaining good hygiene, using gentle products, and keeping skin hydrated are much more effective for skin health and overall well-being.
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